PLANS to build a new shop in West Bridgford have been criticised by traders from the farmers' market and community groups.

Mansfield Road Properties wants to create a two-storey building with shop and office space at the back of the Halifax Bank, off Central Avenue.

The Post understands that the developer is in discussion with companies that could operate there, including Yo Sushi and Patisserie Valerie.

But West Bridgford Farmers' Market says it would lead to three stallholders being turfed off their sites.

The market operates around the edge of the Croquet Lawn, besides the Halifax, twice a month. Part of this land, owned by Rushcliffe Borough Council, would need to be clear at all times to give access to the new building.

The council says it is only "a small fraction" of the space used for the farmers' market but Ruth Wakeling, who co-ordinates the event, said: "It's going to affect us tremendously.

"It is a small part but it has an impact on the whole market – the three traders that stand there have been with the market from the off. Where I will move them I don't know because I'm very conscious the Croquet Lawn grass is protected. I think it's very short-sighted using that piece of ground."

Plans for the new building have not yet been submitted . However, councillors will tonight decide whether to allow access rights over the land where the traders stand.

If permission is given, the plans must still be submitted and approved by the council.

Ben Tebbutt, director of FHP, which is working on behalf of the developer to secure tenants for the property, said: "West Bridgford is now seen as a major opportunity by retail and leisure operators, who want to bring in money and jobs.

"This is a very high-quality development which will benefit all. We are happy to work and meet with any people who have concerns.

"I am a West Bridgford resident who uses the park and the farmers' market and am sure that this development will not affect either.

"Similar developments have worked well in Bridgford and I am sure that 99 per cent of residents would welcome it."

Concerns have also been raised by the Friends of Bridgford Park, which is next to the site, and Central West Bridgford Community Association.

Linda Phillips, of the Friends, said: "Everybody I've spoken to is against it. They don't want a shop front on the Croquet Lawn – it's a unique space. We've got empty shops in West Bridgford, we've got 15 cafés and restaurants, nine charity shops and ten banks and you can count on two hands the number of independent businesses we've got."

Central West Bridgford Community Association has written to councillors, urging them not to grant access rights.

What do you think of the plans? E-mail letterspoems@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk with your views.